John Oliver delivers Scathing Critique of Gaza Coverage & Political Responses
Last Week Tonight with john Oliver didn’t shy away from difficult topics in its latest episode, delivering a pointed commentary on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the media’s response, and the political maneuvering surrounding it. Oliver’s segment, as reported by Deadline, tackled the complexities of the situation with his signature blend of sharp wit and meticulous research.
Trump’s Rare Display of Empathy & Media Missteps
Initially, Oliver addressed a surprising moment involving former President Donald Trump. He highlighted a clip featuring Trump and Jeffrey Epstein onscreen, noting it represented a “rare moment of Trump expressing something resembling empathy.”
However, the focus quickly shifted to the coverage of the crisis itself, specifically addressing what Oliver deemed a troubling trend of downplaying the severity of the situation. He zeroed in on figures like Megyn Kelly, who questioned the authenticity of images depicting starvation in Gaza, following a New York Times report that included an addendum about a child’s pre-existing health conditions.
Challenging narratives & Identifying Famine
“I kind of hoped we were done with Megyn Kelly as a society,” Oliver stated to audience applause. He emphasized that a thorough examination of the evidence isn’t necessary to recognize the unfolding tragedy.
Reports from the United nations consistently confirm the dire situation.
Numerous aid organizations on the ground corroborate the findings.
Even Israeli human rights groups, including Israel’s oldest daily newspaper, have reached similar conclusions.
“What’s happening in Gaza right now is a famine,” Oliver declared. He contrasted this reality with the attempts to discredit the evidence, likening it to “adult junior detectives squinting at each photo of a skeletal child.”
The Root of the Crisis: Intentional Starvation?
Oliver didn’t stop at criticizing the denial of the famine. He directly addressed the potential intent behind the crisis, referencing a CNN article from 2024.
In that article, Israeli Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich stated it “might potentially be just and moral” to starve 2 million Gazans, but “no one in the world would let us.” Oliver interpreted this as Smotrich “basically complaining that the world is c-blocking him from committing genocide better.”
This led him to argue for sustained international pressure, especially from the United States, which has provided Israel with nearly $18 billion in military aid during the first year of the war. “Gaza is starving,” he asserted, “is objectively true, but it’s also slightly misleading because it’s too passive. Gaza is being starved by Israel.”
Genocide Accusations & Catastrophic Projections
According to leading humanitarian groups and experts, including the UN Special Committee, Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, and international law scholars, Israel is actively committing genocide against Palestinians.
Furthermore,a May 2025 IPC analysis projected catastrophic levels of food insecurity for the entire population of Gaza by September.this means at least half a million people are expected to reach IPC Phase 5 – “catastrophe” – characterized by acute malnutrition and widespread mortality.
IPC Phase 5 signifies the highest level of food insecurity. Acute malnutrition leads to increased vulnerability and death.
The situation demands immediate and considerable intervention.
Oliver’s segment serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict and a call for accountability. You can find more information and resources on the crisis through the links provided:
Amnesty International petition: https://www.amnesty.org/en/petition/lift-the-blockade-on-gaza-and-stop-the-genocide/
UN News Report: https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1165517
* IPC Information: [https://www.ipcinfo.
